Top Six Potential January Transfer Targets for Liverpool

The resurging Liverpool team unquestionably requires squad reinforcements to maintain their unexpected pursuit of the Premier League title.

By: Frank Merino

12/30/2023 13:46

Liverpool's campaign is exceeding all expectations, as the revitalized Reds are not merely vying for a top-four finish in the Premier League; they find themselves in contention for the title with only one loss thus far this season.

Nonetheless, Jurgen Klopp is poised to face increasingly challenging circumstances. Having already seen Joel Matip sidelined due to a season-ending knee injury and both of his left-backs, Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, succumbing to dislocated shoulders, the German manager must now navigate a significant absence of Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo throughout January and February due to their respective commitments in the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup.

While Liverpool is typically cautious about making substantial midseason acquisitions, they have executed significant January transfers in the past (e.g., Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo...). It is evident that squad reinforcement will be necessary if Klopp is to maintain their title challenge.

With this in mind, BETIMATE identifies six players whom Liverpool should, at the very least, contemplate signing once the transfer window opens next month...

Archie Gray (Leeds United)

Similar to Hincapie, Archie Gray presents an enticing prospect for Liverpool due to his versatility. Notably, Gray can operate not only in midfield but also as a right-back, raising the intriguing possibility of the 17-year-old interchanging positions with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

With Leeds United striving for promotion back to the Premier League, it's evident that they would be reluctant to part ways with a regular first-team player in January. Nevertheless, there is speculation that a feasible arrangement could involve Liverpool securing the services of the England Under-20 international and subsequently loaning him back to the Championship side for the remainder of the 2023-24 season – a mutually beneficial scenario for all parties involved.

Joao Palhinha (Fulham)

Liverpool refrained from pursuing Joao Palhinha during the summer transfer window, primarily due to the player's price tag and profile. Fulham had set an asking price of £55 million ($70 million) for the 28-year-old, a deal that did not align with the recruitment strategy favored by the Reds.

Unsurprisingly, the situation remains unchanged, and it appears more likely that the Portuguese midfielder will join Bayern Munich, a club he came close to signing for on deadline day. However, if Liverpool is in search of a proven Premier League defensive midfielder who could immediately strengthen Jurgen Klopp's starting XI, Palhinha fits the bill.

He has the potential to be a decisive factor in the title race, particularly if the rumored interest from Arsenal leads to a transfer.

Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)

Goncalo Inacio represents another excellent option for Liverpool's left-sided center-back position. The 22-year-old has reportedly garnered interest from Real Madrid, who have suffered season-ending injuries to both Eder Militao and David Alaba, as well as from Arsenal.

Inacio is a regular starter at Sporting CP and has already found the net twice for Portugal after earning his first international cap in March. Nevertheless, the key question remains whether Liverpool would be willing to make a substantial investment in a center-back during the January transfer window, as it's highly improbable that the Primeira Liga leaders would entertain any offer below his £52 million ($60 million) buy-out clause.

Willian Pacho (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Hincapie's compatriot, Willian Pacho, has made a significant impact since his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt from Antwerp during the summer. Among Bundesliga defenders, no one has recorded more successful possessions than the Ecuadorian international. He also ranks third in tackles won, eighth in clearances, and joint-fifth in interceptions.

Frankfurt currently occupies the sixth position in the league standings, making European competition a realistic goal for Dino Toppmoller's squad. However, a substantial offer could prompt the German club to engage in negotiations. Crystal Palace, Everton, and West Ham are reportedly considering a move for the 22-year-old left-footed player, who possesses qualities that align with Liverpool's needs and would come at a significantly lower cost than Hincapie.

Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen)

Could this be an opportunity for Klopp to address two issues with one signing? Liverpool finds themselves in a defensive dilemma, with no fit senior left-backs and Matip out for the season. Even accounting for Gomez's versatility and the emergence of the highly impressive 20-year-old Jarell Quansah, the situation remains challenging.

However, acquiring Piero Hincapie could potentially resolve all their defensive problems. The Ecuadorian not only shows immense promise as a center-back but is also capable of playing as a left-back. The stumbling block, though, is Bayer Leverkusen's reluctance to sell any players during the winter transfer window, given their current position at the top of the Bundesliga table. To contend with reigning champions Bayern Munich in the second half of the season, they need to keep their strong squad intact.

Nonetheless, it's worth noting that Liverpool's interest in Hincapie is genuine, as confirmed by the player's agent. Additionally, the 21-year-old has not been a regular starter for Leverkusen this season. A €50 million (£43 million/$55 million) bid would certainly give Leverkusen's decision-makers much to ponder, even if it goes against Xabi Alonso's preferences.

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Klopp may opt to continue deploying Joe Gomez at left-back until Robertson returns. The Englishman is a remarkably versatile defender and rarely disappoints, regardless of the position he plays.

However, in an ideal scenario, Liverpool would have a specialist left-back rather than a temporary solution. Hence, the rumors surrounding a potential move for Antonee Robinson, who has enjoyed a successful season at Fulham, registering three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.

Is it realistic for Fulham to consider parting ways with the USMNT star at this stage of the season? It seems improbable, especially since the 26-year-old recently extended his contract, now running until 2028. Nevertheless, there's no doubt that Robinson would eagerly seize the opportunity to join Liverpool, even as a former Everton player!

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Written by: Frank Merino

Frank Merino is a writer for Betimate.com, providing non-stop analysis and opinions on all things football. Since 2018, I have started writing football analysis articles on the internet and predicting and recommending prestigious football bets for users around the world.